TN School Directory
Compare 26 accredited trade schools across 12 cities — tuition, programs, and TN licensing rules
26
Schools
12
Cities
15
Trade Programs
Tennessee has one of the most accessible trade school networks in the country thanks to the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) system, with 24 campuses statewide offering low-cost diplomas and certificates. Combined with the state's tuition-free TN Reconnect and TN Promise programs, Tennessee residents can often complete trade training with minimal out-of-pocket cost.
Tennessee's automotive manufacturing belt (Nissan in Smyrna, Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Ford's BlueOval City, GM Spring Hill) has created strong demand for industrial maintenance, welding, automotive, and electrical trades. Healthcare and HVAC are growing fast in Nashville and Memphis. TCAT graduates report among the highest job placement rates of any state-run system.
Based on hiring activity, employer demand, and program enrollment in TN.
Chattanooga and Nashville have some of the strongest HVAC search demand in the country
BlueOval City and existing OEM plants need skilled welders
Multiple OEM plants and a deep aftermarket supplier base
Vanderbilt, HCA, and Methodist Le Bonheur drive Nashville/Memphis demand
Nashville and Memphis are major freight hubs (FedEx World Hub is in Memphis)
Typical range
$3,500–$15,000
Total tuition
Listed school avg.
$9,317
Across 26 schools
Schools listed
26
In 12 cities
See our full trade school cost guide for state-by-state breakdowns and a deeper look at how to fund your training.
Trade licensing in TN varies by program. Here's what you'll typically need to legally work in each field after training:
| Trade | TN Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Tennessee LLE (Limited Licensed Electrician) license; statewide BC-A or BC-B for contractors |
| Plumber | CMC license required for plumbing contractors over $25k; municipal licensing for journeymen |
| HVAC Technician | EPA 608 required; CMC-A license for HVAC contractors |
| CDL | Class A/B issued by TN DOS; ELDT-compliant training required |
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours + TN State Board exam |
For many residents, yes. TN Promise covers tuition for recent high school graduates at TCAT and community colleges. TN Reconnect covers tuition for adults returning to school. Both apply to most trade programs at state institutions.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology is the state-run trade school system with 24 campuses. Programs are short, low-cost, and TCAT consistently reports placement rates above 80% — often above 90% in HVAC, welding, and industrial maintenance.
TCAT Chattanooga's HVAC diploma program typically runs 12-16 months. Private programs in the area can be completed in 6-9 months. EPA 608 certification is included or available as part of most programs.
Median listed tuition across 23 Tennessee schools that publish a price is $4,620, ranging from $4,320 to $28,000. The table below breaks that down by program — every figure comes from the tuition these schools publish, not a national average.
| Program | Programs | Median tuition | Range | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Electrician | 17 | $5,355 | $2,500–$9,500 | 9-24 months |
| 🔥 Welding | 17 | $4,461 | $2,500–$26,000 | 6-18 months |
| 🩺 Medical Assistant | 17 | $5,948 | $2,500–$14,000 | 9-12 months |
| ❄️ HVAC Technician | 16 | $5,948 | $4,320–$9,500 | 6-24 months |
| 🚗 Automotive Technician | 16 | $6,212 | $2,500–$28,000 | 6-24 months |
| 💻 IT & Networking | 16 | $5,280 | $4,320–$14,000 | 6-24 months |
| 💇 Cosmetology | 15 | $5,948 | $4,320–$19,500 | 9-15 months |
| 🦷 Dental Assistant | 14 | $5,355 | $2,500–$38,000 | 9-12 months |
| 🪚 Carpentry | 13 | $5,948 | $2,500–$9,500 | 6-24 months |
| 💊 Pharmacy Technician | 11 | $5,948 | $2,500–$13,500 | 6-12 months |
| 🚚 CDL Training | 10 | $1,500 | $1,487–$1,788 | 3-8 weeks |
| 👨🍳 Culinary Arts | 4 | $4,380 | $2,500–$4,500 | 6-24 months |
| 💆 Massage Therapy | 4 | $8,556 | $4,611–$14,500 | 6-12 months |
| 🔧 Plumbing | 3 | $4,320 | $4,320 | 9-24 months |
| 🐾 Veterinary Technician | 3 | $6,560 | $4,500–$6,560 | 18-24 months |
Based on the 26 schools listed on Trade Schools Review in Tennessee. Median is calculated across programs with a published tuition figure; schools that quote on request are excluded. Confirm current pricing with the school.
The lowest published tuition among Tennessee schools in our directory. Public community and technical colleges dominate this list — they charge in-district rates for the same credentials private career colleges sell at several times the price.
Dickson, TN · Technical College
$4,320
listed tuition
Knoxville, TN · Technical College
$4,320
listed tuition
Memphis, TN · Technical College
$4,320
listed tuition
Shelbyville, TN · Technical College
$4,320
listed tuition
Knoxville, TN · Technical College
$4,320
listed tuition
Memphis, TN · Technical College
$4,320
listed tuition
Nashville, TN · Community College
$4,500
listed tuition
Memphis, TN · Community College
$4,500
listed tuition
Memphis has the most options in the state with 8 schools. Pick a city to compare local programs, tuition, and schedules.
5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 132, Memphis, TN 38137
$22,000
800 students
568 Colonial Road, Memphis, TN 38117
$16,200
250 students
1200 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
N/A
N/A students
3419 Plaza Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111
$19,500
250 students
5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134
$4,500
9,000 students
550 Alabama Ave, Memphis, TN 38105
$4,320
1,960 students
550 Alabama Ave, Memphis, TN 38105
$4,320
1,960 students
1200 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
$9,500
500 students
560 Royal Parkway, Nashville, TN 37214
$13,500
600 students
2813 Brick Church Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
$28,000
1,500 students
120 White Bridge Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
$4,500
8,000 students
100 White Bridge Rd., Nashville, TN 37209
$4,620
1,101 students
100 White Bridge Rd., Nashville, TN 37209
$4,620
1,101 students
4501 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37406
$4,611
2,300 students
4501 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37406
$4,611
2,300 students
1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville, TN 37919
$4,320
1,206 students
1100 Liberty Street, Knoxville, TN 37919
$4,320
1,206 students
1303 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
$5,105
630 students
1303 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
$5,105
630 students
With 26 options to compare, choosing the right trade school takes some research. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating programs in TN: